Westmoreland County Certified as a Crime Prevention Community

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Chris Smith

At the Criminal Justice Services Board Meeting on Thursday, June 15, 2023, Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office was presented certification as a Certified Crime Prevention Community. The program is administered by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) with a goal to certify and publicly recognize localities that have implemented a defined set of community safety strategies as part of a comprehensive crime prevention/safety plan.

To obtain certification, twelve core community safety elements/strategies augmented by a minimum of seven approved optional elements must be implemented and in compliance with said standards. Certification is for a period of three years and a reassessment process for recertification occurs every three years thereafter. Currently, there are twelve localities across the commonwealth that have achieved this status. For more in-depth information concerning the Certified Crime Prevention Community Program, please access the DCJS website.

I’m extremely proud and excited to have Westmoreland County certified as a Crime Prevention Community. The process has taken approximately one year beginning with the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors Resolution to fulfilling the extensive set of guidelines provided through the Certified Crime Prevention Community Program. Sheriff’s office personnel have worked diligently, continuously and in complete partnership with all facets of our community to include churches, business, neighborhoods, school division, youth and seniors to obtain this certification. The program requirements are not designed to be easy, nor ‘rubber stamped’ and require a dedicated effort to obtain and maintain. Your sheriff’s office is committed to this process which promotes accountability and professionalism to keep our community safe through proven strategies and initiatives.

C.O. Balderson, Sheriff

Pictured left to right: Lieutenant Colonel John L. Hoover, III, Captain Joshua F. Jones, Master Deputy Antwan X. Smith, Sheriff C.O. Balderson and First Sergeant Danny J. Brooks

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Danny Jones

Posted on February 28, 2023 by admin
Danny Jones

In honoring Black History Month by posting pictures of past deputies, today the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office would like to honor Danny A Jones.

Danny Jones started his career with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office as a Dispatcher before transitioning to a Sheriff’s Deputy, In 2008, Danny Jones was employed by the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office under the leadership of current Sheriff C. O. Balderson. Danny Jones held several supervisory roles in the Patrol Division. Danny was always a great mentor to new deputies. Danny retired on June 30, 2020, completing 25+ years of law enforcement service. Danny will forever be remembered by his colleagues for his catch phrase, ‘Boop.”

Thank you for your service, Danny.

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Requesting Public’s Assistance

Posted on January 21, 2023 by admin
Person of Interest 01
Person of Interest 02
Vehicle of Interest

On December 15, 2022, at 1924 hours, Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Detectives responded to the area of Stoney Knoll Rd, and found a 1993 Mazda Pickup Truck with front end damage and numerous bullet holes sitting partially in the roadway. The scene was processed by detectives, a subsequent search warrant was executed on the vehicle and several bullet fragments were located and removed. The vehicle was occupied by one adult male and two juveniles at the time of the incident. Attached are photographs of a person and vehicle of interest. Anyone with information pertaining to the identity of the individual shown, the vehicle shown, or the incident itself are asked to contact First Sergeant B. Vanlandingham at (804) 493-8066 or bvanlandingham@westcoso.us.

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Westmoreland County Deputy Graduates from Academy

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Janet Sferrella
Sheriff Balderson and Deputy Benjamin Shepherd

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5th Grade D.A.R.E. Graduates

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Janet Sferrella
Washington District Elementary School 5th Grade DARE graduates


Fifth grade students at Washington District Elementary School celebrated their Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) graduation on Friday, January 13, 2023. Fifty students completed the ten week instruction taught by SRO Master Deputy Amy A. Molinares. The program emphasizes valuable life skills, making responsible decision and character development.
I’m extremely proud of each graduate and congratulate them on their efforts to reach this accomplishment. During their graduation celebration, I encouraged them to apply what they have learned throughout their life experiences. It will be very beneficial moving forward. I also thank and appreciate the continued support of the Washington District Elementary School faculty and staff.
C.O. Balderson, Sheriff

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Sheriff’s Office Releases Workload Data

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Janet Sferrella

Westmoreland County Sheriff C.O. Balderson provided the following statistics representing workload generated from January 01, 2022 through December 31, 2022. This data is not all inclusive.

  • 54,903 calls for service
  • 5,142 civil papers served
  • 473 felony warrants served
  • 578 misdemeanor warrants served
  • 3,545 traffic summons issued
  • 123 traffic accidents worked
  • 66 DUI arrests
  • 89 individuals arrested on drug charges
  • 191 days in court resulting in 4,397 man hours
  • 198 transports resulting in 2,417 man hours (30,126 miles
    traveled)
  • 24 Crime Prevention/Community Relations Presentations
    (578 people in attendance)
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National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Program

Posted on January 3, 2023 by Janet Sferrella

The Westmoreland County Sheriff’s office participates in the National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Program.

The Sheriff’s Office has a Child Passenger Safety Technician. The Sheriff’s office technician has successfully completed the Safe Kids Worldwide National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training. To have your child’s car seat installation checked, or if you need help installing your car seat by our certified CPS technician, please call 804-493-8066 or contact Deputy Chris Gilkerson at cgilkerson@westcoso.us.

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